You told us: The sound of your "American Dream" is steeped in music that's distinctly and historically American, from blues and gospel to classic rock and protest music, to punk and hip-hop. It sounds hopeful, cynical, urgent and exuberant, often in the same song. You suggested songs that are about not getting what you want and persevering anyway. These are songs about understanding your own life through the struggles of others, anthems about your frustrations and fears, and lyrics that speak truth to power. This is music that clings to a vision for a brighter future.

In the playlist on this page, you'll also find links to essays by writers, like Miles Marshall Lewis and Hua Hsu, whom we asked to describe the sound of their American dream.

We'll continue to add songs to this mix in order to create a diverse and personal soundtrack of your stories and experiences. If it doesn't yet sound like your idea of the "American Dream," let us know in the comments which songs you'd choose.